U.S. National Committee for the International Hydrological Programme

The International Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) international scientific cooperative program in water research, water resources management, education, and capacity-building. In 2006, the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO established the U.S. National Committee for the International Hydrological Programme to support IHP activities. The functions of the Committee are to provide advice on hydrological issues to the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO in accordance with the Bylaws.

Functions of the Committee include:

Making recommendations on U.S. participation in the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme and assisting upon request in the formulation and review of other UNESCO international water resources activities.

Providing advice on domestic and international activities related to UNESCO programs that advance research, education, or training in water resources sciences or the application of water resources sciences to specific problems.

Recommending U.S. programs for participation in the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme.

Providing advice to organizations involved in U.S. participation in UNESCO international water resources activities.

The U.S. National Committee includes members of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO, U.S. government agencies, and external organizations with expertise in water resources. U.S. National Committee IHP members serve terms of 1-3 years, with the responsibility for chairing the Committee rotated among the Federal agencies. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is currently chairing the Committee. For additional information, please contact: Verne Schneider, National Committee Executive Secretary (vrschnei@usgs.gov) or Jerad Bales, Chair (jdbales@usgs.gov).

Of Current Interest...

The U.S. National Committee for the International Hydrological Programme meets twice per year in Washington, DC, usually in the spring and fall. These meetings are usually open to interested individuals and organizations. For information on the next meeting, contact Jared Bales or Verne Schneider.